We lead a task force called the Agricultural Burning and Research Task Force that is comprised of a broad array of interest groups. The task force develops best practices for reducing air pollution from agriculture burning. They meet regularly to develop the practices by identifying and funding research projects. The group also determines the appropriate level for Ecology's agricultural burning air permit fees.
Task force members
The Agricultural Burning and Research Task Force is chaired by an Ecology representative and consists of many different interest groups including:
- Local clean air agencies.
- The agricultural community.
- Local research universities.
- Public health groups.
The task force was established by the Washington State Clean Air Act with the goal of reducing air pollution from agricultural burning.
Members of the task force are:
| Representative |
Organization |
Seat |
| Dave Knight |
Ecology |
Chair |
| Julie Oliver |
Spokane Regional Clean Air Agency |
Local air |
| Mike Buckley |
Alfalfa Seed Growers |
Agricultural community |
| Jay Penner |
Washington Association of Wheat Growers |
Agricultural community |
| Dan McCarthy |
Okanogan Horticulture Association |
Agricultural community |
| Bill Johnston |
Washington State University Crop & Soil Science |
Universities or colleges |
| Michael Bush |
Washington State University Cooperative Extension |
Universities or colleges |
| Scott Steinbacher |
Washington Department of Agriculture |
Agriculture agency |
| Troy Henderson |
Whitman County Public Health |
Public health |
| Larry Cochran |
Washington Conservation Commission |
Conservation district |
Meeting information
The next meeting will be held from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., June 6, 2018 at:
Ecology - Eastern Regional Office
4601 N. Monroe St.
Spokane, WA 99205
Review task force meeting summaries and research projects.